Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Today was definitely a better day for progress with 13knots of wind from the north east pushing us along nicely. But if anything, it's been pretty quiet day out here again, just a lot of sparkling blue water and blue sky.

I was kept busy last night avoiding a bit of shipping and adjusting the Fleming windvane when the wind dropped right out. It was so quiet and flat for while that I brought my pillow out into the cockpit and grabbed a few cat naps of sleep under the stars.

It already feels like I'm settling right into a routine, grabbing a bit of sleep through the night and into the morning when I can, logging and plotting my position, digging through the food bags for meals and calling in for phone skeds twice a day. There's always something to do or check.

I've been hard at work eating my way through all the last minute presents and sweets that were shoved aboard just before we left. Every time I think I've eaten them all I seem to discover another packet stashed away somewhere!

Jessica you are a great girl. I am loving reading your blogs. I am a grandmother of 5 girls and I know they are following you as I am. Keep safe sweetie. You make me proud to be an aussie. Our love and prayersCheryl and Steve - Anna Bay NSW

I wish you the best of luck on your trip. I wonder something, how do you do when you're sleeping? How many hours can you sleep in a row, and are you worried something will happen to the boat while you're sleeping?

Hi Jessica,I hope you have fun on your trip. I am reading your blog every day. If you get bored you can check out my web site:www.giaweb.yolasite.comYou see what music and movies there are. Have an awesome adventure, I hope you break the recordGia (12 years old)

Go girl! Remember that day and night there are a lot of us inspired by your spirit keeping you in our thoughts and hearts and sending you our love and best wishes. You are so right to enjoy the moment as you settle into the rhythm of the seas.

Jess, Sounds like you have settled in really well, and finally those winds in the Tasman are filling in for you. I am in the Navy and recently home from 6mths away, enjoy the beautiful flat seas and gorgeous weather while you can cos we all know it wont be like that all the time. Keep safe, and may the wind continue to fill your sails. Take care and regardsBrendon Andersen

Hi there Jess! Granny & Grandad W here. Its so good to be able to log on and see what you're up to!Your blogs are great. Jessie Martin ate all his sweeties the first four days out too! Glad everything has come together in such an amazing way. We watched you from NZ as you sailed out of Sydney and are sooooo proud of you!Lots of love from Waikanae XX00

Hi Jessica,Congratulations on your trip so far,i consider you to be a role model to young people all over the world, to show if you follow your dreams that they can come true, best of luck for tomorrow. and you can do it champ, Go Jessica xoxo

Thanks for sharing your journey with all us bloggers and land lubbers. Is there any way you can download pics to your blog site? that would be awesome! sounds like an easy day for you. Glad to hear you caught some wind today.

Hi Jessica, just a quick note to say I'm thinking about you all time. Also you are not alone out there because Ella's Pink Lady is chocca block full with Australians who are there with you in spirit to help you get home safely. Good luck Jessica. My thoughts are with you. Robert Tranter

Great to hear you finally have some decent wind, Jessica. Hopefully now you will be able to plough across the Tasman at a respectible rate of knots. Hey, we're all dying to see some photographs of the sights you have been seeing! Will you be loading them up soon?

Hi Jessica. Just a quick note to let you know you are in my thoughts always. Also, you are not alone out there, Ella's Pink Lady is chocca block full of Australian's that are there with you to help you get home safely. I cry thinking of you alone out there being lonely. Anyway all the best and safe journey. Cheers. Robert.

Hi JessicaThanks for the updates. Please keep them coming. Don't worry about posting stuff you think is unimportant or trivial. I think most people would be more interested in things like how you are feeling, whether you've been scared or bored, what you are eating, how you managed a reef or made some repair etc, than whether you are making good progress or are going to break the record. At least that's why I keep checking your blog.Good sailing.Duncan

Hi JessDon't eat all the sweets at once!!! We are really excited for you and absolutely with you all the way! We'll be folloing your blog as you make your journey and we really really want you to achieve this!Have a great nightLove All the O'Connell Family in Mosman, NSW

Jess,Who approves all these comments? Theres so many! Just goes to show how many people you are inspiring on this journey of yours and from places all over the world! would love to see some photos of those sunsets you spoke of if you get the chance!Ben Turner - Melbourne

Hi Jessica,My family were on a dinghy following you out of Middle Harbour on Saturday. As a mother I felt nervous for you, but having an adventurous spirit myself, I admired your great courage. We wish you good luck and Godspeed. We will be there to meet you on your return.

Congratulations Jessica on getting under way. Enjoy the gentle introduction to your voyage. You've already come through just about the worst nightmare of a single hander, and this has strengthened you for the challenges that are undoubtedly in front of you.I've done a bit of sailing, often singlehanded, and I'm with you all the way on your venture. From Simon and Garfunkel:"Sail on silver girl,Sail on byYour time has come to fly,All your dreams are on their way,See how they shine"best wishes, Kathy Veel,SV Quintetps, any chance you could post your position on the blog?

Keep some of the sweets for later. You won't believe how excited everyone here is, even in far away America. We don't go to bed or get up without checking your progress first and even at work sometimes sneak onto the internet to see if anything new is posted. We all admire you and we are with you in our thoughts.

You are fully courageous, I love following your blogs and your journey inspires me. I run a small business with about 11 employees. Sailing solo around the world is incredibly the bravest thing someone can do. I wish you all the best and look forward to following you on your journey.Simon

God speed Jessica, I love reading your daily blogs. My family will be at the pier when you return triumphant. My son did his first Hobart race last year, and I was with him (in spirit) all the way. Likewise, I feel a rapport with you and will follow you closely.Go girl !!

Hey Jessica, well your off! on your way into the unknown on your journey, sounds like a great thing to do at your age just all our past pioneers good on you hope it all goes well, I will keep track and cheer you on.

just read ur brog sound like ur doing well all that carm sea u havin wld drive me mad coz im a roff and good stendy wind guy ay i like the speed i understand everything ur saying and were ur cuming from well ill keep reading ur brogs oxo

Hi Jessica! Found your blog when you left Sydney. It+s really fun to read about your adventure, you are living out my and many others dream. I hav one question about if its possibale to follow you in another way, not just the blog, like you GPS kord, on a map. Would be nice.

barWe heard about your story on the news. We have been reading your blog online. Please add more pictures, We love the ones of the ocean calm seas and beautiful sunsets are always welcome. Keep your chin up and keep doing what you are doing. You make the hard things in life look easy. That is a great gift to give to everyone. My husband has been in alot of pain. In your story he finds peace, a place where he can think about your sailboat, a full stary sky and just the sound of the water. It's just enough to help him focus on other things beside pain.

Thank you for being so brave, you are helping people even if you don't know it. Stay Safe God is with you. Nashville Tennessee

Hi Jess,Ray from Sydney. Today in Sydney, the year 12's are having their first day doing their HSC (High School Certificate for the readers outside OZ). I used you as an example to my 18 year old son to calm his nerves before the exam. I'll lend you my guardian angel while you are on your journey. Her name is Monnie. She will accompany you and protect you from danger. Keep the updates coming. We will follow your incredible journey !! God bless you.

There's no thrill in easy sailing when the skies are clear and blue, there's no joy in merely doing things which any one can do. But there is some satisfaction that is mighty sweet to take, when you reach a destination people believed you'd never make

Hi Jess its me again,I am following your course like a bloodhown after its prey.I am glad your speed has increased. How far out from Sydney are you. I have estimated about 160 Nm. Are you able to put that information in your next lot of information.Hope all is well and stay safe.Gary ThompsonCarrum Downs Vic.

Hi Jesse,At school we read your blog for our shared reading, we all enjoy reading your blog! It is heaps better than what we used to read!!!Your blogs are so interesting though.I better let you go.Lots of Love Emma xxxxx

I apologize for making a suggestion since you and your help have probably thought of everything. Do you have any kind of a wind chime or something that would wake you were you to fall asleep at night but need to be quickly warned if a sudden gust of wind came up?

Of course the wind chime would probably have to be set up so that it doesn't make a sound for every small gust of wind...

My friend and I were chatting about you today and wondered if you could tell us in a blog post how on earth you fit all your food and water onboard for allllll the months your away! It's got us totally baffled as we can't possibly imagine where you fit it all!Glad you had some progress with the winds today!

Hi Jessica, Thanks for taking the time to keep all of us interested old-timers aware of your activities and the conditions you are experiencing. Though I know zip about sailing I was a fisherman and diver for a few years off the east coast out of Eden and have taken an interest in your quest from the minute I learned of your quest. I, and a few hundred thousand others wish you a fair wind and smooth sailing. We're with you all the way. You show 'em Girl!

Go Jess.. I am really stoked 4 you. !6 years old and doing something like this. You beauty mate. I reckon it's top's doin what your doin.. don't ever worry about the negative stuff from the media. If your feeling safe in yourself and strong and hopeful then give it a good crack.. Wish I had that much courage when I was your age.. Love ya work, from Rob, 34, sitting on my arse in Casino Nsw...x

Jessica, We are so proud of you and you only just started your voyage. This the George Koulakis the Airforce family in Townsville, we have written before in support of your wonderful adventure and as far as we are concern YOU CANT LOOSE! Simply taking part in such a unique journey makes you a champion Australian. As a family we will read your daily blogs and try and imagine everything you describe, so make sure you paint a really good picture with words so the rest of us living in boring’ville get to imagine ourselves on this journey. Safe Sailing, and may the winds carry you home to us soon.GK and family.

I sit here about to spend some time with my Bible and talking to my Lord, and I envy you. LOL What a joy it must be to sleep under His stars, and hear the ripple of the water against the side of Ella as you glide through the sea. Use this time, to reflect, and contemplate the four questions that all humans eventually ask of themselves, where did I come from, where am I going, what is my purpose, and How will I choose to live? Be careful. I will pray for you this morning, that the Lord Jesus Christ would be there when you are afraid, calm the seas when you are at risk, and allow you to see the glory of His creation.

Australia should be proud that a girl has the courage and determination for such a fantastic but challenging adventure. lm enjoying the blogs and really looking forward to the tracking coming on line.Enjoy the journey and enjoy watch each days bring.

Hi there Jess. Just wanted to wish you all the best in your adventure around the world and say for such a young person you are amazingly well spoken and your blogs are just as well written. I know you can do this and cannot wait for you to show all the nay sayers where to shove it! Watch them all lining up to kiss ur ass when you get back. Hugs, kisses and Gods speed. MC

Are you allowed to use your engine in an emergency e.g. to avoid shipping when you are in a flat calm?Great to hear those first couple of days are safely behind you and that you must be settled into a good shipboard routine by now.Thanks for the great blogs.

Sounds like you're having a great time out there. I've never done an off-shore passage myself but really looking forward to the experience. I guess sleep is a huge issue so glad you are getting some rest.

Jessica,we are curiously following your blog and all the reports of your georgeous adventure. Even as passionate sailors we can only imagine what you are experiencing. Enjoy the good times and we wish you enough strenght when it gets rough out there. We're sure you'll handle it!All the best and good luck!The Charter-Checker.com team.

Glad to hear the wind's cooperating today, as for quiet, that's what the radio's for, blast it. :P I bet it'll be nice once you're out past the shipping lanes, you'll be able to get more sleep maybe. Yup, definitely eat anything that might get fuzzy or walk away on its own, LOL, if you don't,your nose will find it for you later :) Take it easy.

Hello and congratulations on your epic voyage, you truly are an inspiration to all young girls of your age, lonlyness will be your biggest threat, but you seem a very level headed young lady, and so stay safe and don't take any un-neccasary risks.

save some of the yummy stuff for the journey Jess....good you are on the move albeit slowly....enjoy the magnificent nature that surrounds you and know you are not alone...you have thousands of people willing your safe passage. As I walked on the beach at Alex Heads today I thought of you as I looked at the horizon and asked the sea gods to be gentle for you!!Sue (Buderim)

Hi Jessica,Our family love reading your blog each day. Your an inspiration to our children. Our thoughts are with you each day - enjoy every minute of this life changing journey.Best Wishes from the Sunshine Coast,Andrew,Cindy, Jack, Ben & Grace

Hi Jesse,Here's hoping u have a magic trip.What an adventure! wow...Here's my all time favourite saying, which suits you well...Enjoy!"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain

Amazing Jessica! Trying to follow your progress from Sweden. I´ve just heard of this project and follow your blog. Hopeing you can post some pictures and maybe video on this blog aswell? Maybe I have missed it but it would be nice if someone in this project would "make" a webpage where we can follow Ella´s Pink Lady route in pictutes, like google earth or something. Best regards from Sweden!! Daniel, Gothenburg Sweden.

Congrats that you have finally left our shores and with a lot of opinion being bantered every where.I am a mother of a 15 almost 16 year old and to watch your mum's reaction to you setting sail on Sunday conveyed just how certain she is that you can do it.One can only admire the support you have from your family and friends and sponsors.I will keep watching your website to see where your at.Best wishes for a safe journey and I hope your dreams become realitiesMichelle Woodhall

I cannot ever hope to do what you are doing but I so enjoyed to hear your description yesterday of the clear, glassy and still ocean!! Do you remember the poem "The Ancient Mariner" - "as still as a painted ship upon a painted ocean".

Your experiences whet the appetite for what shall follow as you go. Please keep up the stories of the ocean around you, your feelings and gut instincts as well as the little moments of pleasure you experience.

Become part of your environment - try to merge with it - and not be just an external observer. Use all your senses and pay attention to your instincts as an early warning system. This will help get you by (along with your training and common sense of course).

Please continue to describe what you see and feel (where appropriate) and be the "eyes" and "ears" and "nose" for all of us who are following you!!

Dear Jessica, Our family admire your courage to pursue your dreams. Our children Sarah (17), Darren (14) and Monique (11), are all following your journey. We are behind you 100% Jess. Our prayers are with you every step of the way on your adventure of a lifetime. Dave, Jan, Sarah, Darren and Monique, Auckland, New Zealand

Seems like there should be a way for you to send and receive messages more often. LOL Waiting 24 hours to know your progress and that you are safe and what's going on around you is taxing for all of us who care. So we live. Today was an exciting day in sports for us sports fans in the USA. Great playoff baseball. Angeles and Phillies came through with last minute victories. The rest of the world remains childish. Have a belssed day.

JessBlack Joe here, really interesting reading some of these blogs and hearing how strong and focused you are, the local sentiment regarding your departure and passage has swung very much in your favour in my opinion. Hope you haven't had to use the knife yet, don't forget it's a loaner.Go you good thing.Black

I cannot ever hope to do what you are doing but I so enjoyed to hear your description yesterday of the clear, glassy and still ocean!! Do you remember the poem "The Ancient Mariner" - "as still as a painted ship upon a painted ocean".

Your experiences whet the appetite for what shall follow as you go. Please keep up the stories of the ocean around you, your feelings and gut instincts as well as the little moments of pleasure you experience.

Become part of your environment - try to merge with it - and not be just an external observer. Use all your senses and pay attention to your instincts as an early warning system. This will help get you by (along with your training and common sense of course).

Please continue to describe what you see and feel (when appropriate) and be the "eyes" and "ears" and "nose" for all of us who are following you!!

Hey just wanted to say that I think that I like the way you are going for this goal. I hope that more people can follow their dreams and..though I hate to use the phrase as it's been captured by a corporate..just do it (and not talk about it!)

Being an avid sailor I have watched your progress with interest and must admit prior to you departing Mooloolaba I was a sceptic. After your run in with a couple of ships (and the mostly negitive publicity that followed) I was impressed with your response to the incident both as a accomplished sailor and as a mature young woman and have become a believer.

It is obvious as I sit here reading all the messages wishing success and support that you have become an inspiration to not only a nation but to the world.

Without people like yourself, driven by the sense of adventure that originally led to the discovery of Australia and other far away lands, the world would be a lifeless rock covered in mud skippers and mushrooms.

Be safe. I hope you have wind at your back and the sun on your face all the way.

Whats the craic Jess?? Just want to wish you all the best on your travels, and i that i think your so brave in what your doing. I'm 23 and I've sailed all my life and i know i wouldn't be able for it!! I'll follow your progress on the blog,

Can you talk about your communications back home, what kind of systems do you run, how do you get weather forecasts etc, and what kind of system do you use for internet, and how well does it work. Can you use things like skype/yahoo and talk to your friends. I'm hoping as the days pass that you dont get lonely. Can you get live radio or tv from any where.

Sounds like your doing great, nice work. Im just wondering about how far you have travelled in you first few days. It would be great if you could keep us updated with that. Hope all things go to plan and you continue to have a safe enjoyable journey.

It must be so wonderful to sleep under the stars and not have to worry about mozzies, snakes and all those other land critters. And the stary sky must be absolutely awesome!! What an experience you are living! Go Girl!!!

You have embarked on a journey that few in this world will ever make. As evidenced by the many kind remarks shared by strangers from all over the world, your vessel carries on wind and sail, the countless wishes and dreams of those who can not be there. As you move forth, allow the positive energy of so many caring souls to bring a smile to your heart in times of ease and comfort to your mind in times of stress.

Hi JessGood luck on your adventure and don't worry about the skeptics .... at least your not hitting a bar somewhere or those other nasties that young people get tangled up in... ... just keep your eye out for those dreaded reefs in the mid of nowhere above NZ ... I love your courage and would hope I could follow one day though not for a record at my age...Fair winds and safe travels matee .... I take my hat off to youYou can make a record attempt if you wait "till your old enough"forever forward girl and the best of luckI will be following through this sitecheersTony